Which process involves using chemicals to lower the number of pathogens?

The process that involves using chemicals to lower the number of pathogens is known as sanitization. This method focuses on significantly reducing the microbial load to a level that is considered safe according to public health standards. Sanitization is typically employed in environments such as kitchens, bathrooms, and healthcare settings to ensure safety and hygiene through the application of products designed to kill or inhibit the growth of microbes.

In this context, sanitization is distinguished from other processes like disinfection and antisepsis, which have different goals and applications. Disinfection specifically aims to kill or inactivate a greater number of pathogens, particularly in environments where complete sterilization isn't necessary, while antisepsis involves the chemical elimination of pathogens on living tissue, such as skin, to prevent infection. Degermination, on the other hand, refers to the mechanical removal of microorganisms from the skin or surfaces, often through scrubbing but does not necessarily involve chemical agents.

Therefore, sanitization serves as a crucial intermediary step for cleanliness, particularly in maintaining health standards in various environments, by effectively reducing the number of pathogens present to a safe level.